2018 in a Blog, Ebby L Photography

WHAT A YEAR.

2018 is without a doubt the most exciting and eventful year I’ve ever had. This past year was filled with milestones I will never forget.

While the images may not be up to Ebby L’s photo quality liking, the memories certainly are.

South Padre, TX.

John, Nicole and I started off the year with an escape from winter in South Padre. We spent the long weekend drinking coronas at happy hour with all of the retirees, soaking up the sun by the pool and laughing like crazy.

The Reset Conference.

Per usual, The Reset Conference was wonderful. It is always my favorite weekend to connect with fellow creatives and get inspired for the year. I can’t wait for this year’s conference in Louisville, KY.

Cancun.

Despite the photos below, I was actually in Cancun to photograph a wedding alongside Katie Cunningham (KGC Photography). But as the photos show, we also had a lot of fun while there.

NYC.

A redeye from Chicago to NYC on a Friday work was the best idea ever. John and I flew to New York to spend a weekend with Nicole. (SEE MORE OF OUR TRIP HERE!)

Lexington, KY.

John and I spent Easter Weekend in Kentucky with my family. Since my sister is in nursing school at University of Kentucky, we all road-tripped to her.

Ryan & Lana’s Wedding.

In addition to photographing 24 weddings, I also got to attend a handful as well! John, his family and I had a blast celebrating his cousin Ryan’s wedding at Meson Sabika.

South Africa.

In 2018, I traveled with my mom to South Africa with her organization, The Heart That Gives Foundation. South Africa is such a beautiful country and it was really special to see my mom giving back to the community she loves so much. (SEE MORE HERE).

Fort Lauderdale.

Bachelorette weekend 1 of 2. For Kate’s bachelorette party, a group of us girls headed to Fort Lauderdale for a long weekend. It was absolute craziness but in the best way possible.

Our Pup Fluff.

We celebrated a year with Our Pup Fluff! In the time we’ve had her, she’s gained 15lbs and is MUCH healthier than before. Now, if only she could completely grow back her hair!

Arlington Race Track.

For Mother’s Day, we took John’s momma to the Arlington Race Track. We dressed up, drank champagne and had a great time placing bets.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!

This was one of the milestones I mentioned earlier. We bought our first home in Lombard, IL. Since moving in in July, we’ve had so much fun making this house a home.

When packing and unpacking, we learned Luci has a deep love for boxes.

JOHN PROPOSED.

And another milestone.. John proposed and I obviously said yes!

I’m smiling while typing this… I still can’t believe we’re getting married! Here’s more from our proposal story.

Villa Rica, GA.

Bachelorette #2 for Maddie! This time around, I road tripped with Maddie down to Villa Rica, Georgia. Our friends joined us there for a weekend of fun. We spent the days floating in the lake and spent the nights drinking the lake bar’s signature ‘hurricanes’.

Wedding fun.

In 2018, I was able to stand up in two of my best friends weddings. Chris and Kate’s wedding at Arrowhead Golf Club in Colorado was first. It was such a beautiful day in the most incredible place.

Then came Travis and Maddie. Their wedding was at Bennett Springs State Park in Lebanon, MO. It was so special to them and the perfect place to watch them say ‘I Do’.
Sunday Fundays.

With weddings almost every Saturday during busy season, Sunday Fundays are a favorite of mine. Whether it’s a bottomless mimosa brunch or a day at home making chili and watching football… Sundays are the best.

Kansas City, MO.

John and I spent a weekend in Kansas City, MO in November. We met up with Katie Cunningham and had our engagement photos taken! (SEE MORE HERE!).

Naples, FL.

For Thanksgiving, my family and I spent a week together in Florida.

We had the best time soaking up the sun, overindulging in seafood and exploring the ins and outs of Naples. (SEE MORE HERE!).

Allen Stone.

For an early Christmas present to ourselves, John and I saw one of our favorites at The Vic in Chicago. Allen Stone is such an incredible performer and one I think we’d be okay with finding a way to see him in concert every year.

North Dakota –> Missouri.

Right before Christmas, my family and I traveled to North Dakota for my Pappy’s memorial. It was really special to have all of my mom’s side of the family together to celebrate my grandfather’s life.

From North Dakota, we made the drive to Missouri for Christmas. My sister and I had my grandma’s dog Lucky as well as her two kitty cats in the car with us. Unfortunately, the picture below doesn’t do the experience justice but it was 14 hours we’ll never forget.

Friendsmas.

No words can describe the friendship these girls and I have. We sat around my living room, drinking wine, overdosing on cheese and crackers and laughing like we have since the sixth grade.

New Years.

John and I rang in the New Year with two of our friends downtown Chicago. We wined and dined at RPM Steak then spent the rest of the night drinking and dancing at the LondonHouse. It’s safe to say I’ve felt better than I did on New Years Day but hey it was worth it!

Ebby L